Analysis of the Manifesto of the Persians: Context and Impact

Analysis of the Manifesto of the Persians

The Manifesto of the Persians is a socio-political document addressed to King Ferdinand VII, signed in Madrid in 1814. This document expresses the desires of the old nobility and clergy, demanding the restoration of the old regime and the abolition of the Constitution of 1812.

This collection of items highlights the fundamental principles that sought to defend the need for a return to absolute monarchy as a means of guaranteeing order and the proper functioning of the nation.

Context and Significance

The document refers to the anarchic situation that Spain had allegedly experienced during the previous six years. Article 134 presents absolute monarchy as the only way to ensure the correct use of "reason and intelligence," which the document's signatories desired.

To understand this text, it is necessary to contextualize it. The Manifesto of the Persians is one of the documents with which the financial support of the clergy and nobility was delivered to the King upon his arrival in Valencia. They immediately requested the restoration of the old regime with the total suppression of the Constitution. This document embodies the principles that led to the coup d'état of May 4th.

Critique of the Constitution of 1812

It aims to be a critique against the Constitution of 1812, which was supported by the reforms enacted by the Cortes of Cadiz. These reforms led to the establishment of national sovereignty and the division of powers (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial). The Constitution stipulated that the executive power was exercised by the King through his secretaries, limiting the King's authority with a series of restrictions. The monarch could not suspend or dissolve the Cortes, nor could they supervise the King's foreign policy. The Cortes were responsible for approving both the abdication of the King and the King's marriage, as well as the imposition of taxes.

The legislature was composed of the King and the Cortes jointly, with the Cortes drafting the laws and the King promulgating and sanctioning them. However, the monarch had the right to veto laws, which could suspend them for a maximum of two or three years.

The Cortes were responsible for appointing a governing board with the King. Deputies would be chosen by universal male suffrage with a certain level of income eligibility, meaning only those who paid a certain amount in taxes could be deputies.

Judicial power rested in the tribunals, recognizing both military and ecclesiastical special jurisdictions. The Constitution of 1812 explicitly recognized the confessional nature of the state and the exclusive Catholic religion.

The country was divided into provinces, and popular elections established mayors.

Liberal Principles and Abolition of Institutions

Another significant aspect was the formulation of rights, reflecting the liberal principles propagated by the Enlightenment and the French Revolution. The Constitution was accompanied by other ordinary legislation enacted by the Cortes of Cadiz, including the abolition of the court, the extinction of the Mesta (guild of sheep owners), the abolition of entail (mayorazgo), and the self-declared property rights, freedom to work, production, contracting, trade, and printing. The Cortes also approved extensive legislation, including the elimination of the Inquisition.

Consequences of the Coup d'État

However, all these provisions were repealed in 1814 as a result of the coup d'état, which included the Manifesto of the Persians. This led to the abolition of the Constitution of 1812, marking the first restoration of absolutism in Spain under King Ferdinand VII. This absolutism mirrored the trend in the rest of the European continent, leading to further repression and the detention of those opposed to the King and accused of treason.